Dessert

Cowboy Caviar Recipe

ByJack Voss January 18, 2026January 18, 2026

Introduction

Cowboy caviar is a vibrant, fresh salad packed with beans, corn, and colorful vegetables. It’s perfect as a light snack or a healthy side, pairing wonderfully with crunchy tortilla chips.

A white rectangular dish filled with a colorful mixed salad consisting of layers of diced green bell peppers, chopped red onions, fresh avocado cubes, yellow corn kernels, black beans, and small pieces of tomato, all mixed together with some green cilantro leaves scattered throughout. Three yellow tortilla chips are placed standing on the left side and spreading slightly over the top of the salad. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth underneath, showing a close-up of a silver fork and spoon resting next to the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

400g can black beans, drained and rinsed
200g can sweetcorn, drained, or use frozen (defrosted if frozen)
2 large tomatoes, quartered, deseeded and finely chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 pepper (any colour), deseeded and finely chopped
1 large avocado, halved, peeled, stoned and finely chopped (optional)
small bunch of coriander, chopped (optional)
3 tbsp olive oil
1 lime, juiced, or 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
tortilla chips, to serve (gluten-free, if needed)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the black beans, sweetcorn, tomatoes, red onion, and chopped pepper. If you plan to serve immediately, add the avocado and coriander now; otherwise, wait until just before serving.
Step 2: Drizzle the olive oil and lime juice or red wine vinegar over the mixture. Gently stir everything together to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Serve the cowboy caviar with tortilla chips for scooping and enjoy fresh.

Tips & Variations

For a tangier flavor, swap lime juice with balsamic vinegar or lemon juice.
Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
If storing, keep avocado and coriander separate to prevent browning and add just before serving.
Try adding chopped cucumber or radishes for extra crunch.

Storage

You can store cowboy caviar without the avocado and coriander in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add avocado and coriander fresh before serving. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A white rectangular bowl filled with a colorful mix of diced ingredients including green bell peppers, red tomatoes, yellow corn, black beans, red onions, and chunks of green avocado, all mixed evenly. Three yellow tortilla chips are placed inside the bowl on one side, slightly tilted and resting on the fresh vegetable mix. The bowl sits on a wooden surface covered with a striped cloth in shades of blue, white, red, and yellow, with a silver fork and spoon lying beside it. The background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make cowboy caviar ahead of time?

Yes, prepare all ingredients except avocado and coriander up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add avocado and coriander just before serving to keep them fresh.

Is cowboy caviar gluten-free?

The salad ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve with gluten-free tortilla chips if you need to avoid gluten entirely.